How to write an FCE essay?

FCE Essay: Structure

You need to answer the question with between 140-190 words. In the text you need to
analyze a question using different points of view. It is a semi-formal text and should be Introduction
impartial until the conclusion. What the examiner wants to see is a balanced argument that Present and develop the essay question in your introduction
is both interesting and easy to read.
1st body paragraph
A good essay contains the following parts:
State your 1st argument and give a reason. This should be your main point.
 INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic and say what you are going to talk about and capture the 2nd body paragraph
interest of the reader with a question, a fact or an extreme opinion. State your 2nd argument and give a reason.
 1 ST PARAGRAPH
The first point from the notes (you can mix points if they are related). This should
be your main point, you must justify why it is the most important. 3rd body paragraph (optional)
 2 ND PARAGRAPH State your 3d argument and give a reason.
The 2nd point from the notes, you need to link it to the first. Explain why it is of
secondary importance. Conclusion
 3 RD PARAGRAPH
Give your opinion
This is optional and can be linked to the second paragraphs. It explains the final
point and links to the others.
 CONCLUSION
A summary of what you have said in the main paragraphs and make your main
point. It must be interesting and the reader should learn something from it.

FCE Essay: Tips FCE Essay: Frequently asked questions

 ANSWER THE QUESTION SHOULD YOU DO A PLAN?
 PLAN your essay Yes! You must make a plan to organize your writing. On the day of the exam, you will be stressed
 REVISE your essay to correct mistakes. and feel pressure. A plan is your way of organizing you text and your thoughts.
 4 or 5 PARAGRAPHS, with Introduction and Conclusion
 The first paragraph should be a general introduction to the subject WHAT HAPPENS IF I WRITE MORE THAN 190 WORDS?
 Develop your arguments in the middle paragraphs Nothing… Well, almost nothing. In the past for every 5 words extra, they took away a point,
  Give reasons to support your argument however, now they do not. It is not good to go over 190 words because of time, but you can. I
 Use a variety of discussive words and phrases wouldn´t write more than 200 words because they will probably lower the mark they give you for
 Give examples where possible content. They will determine some of it to be unnecessary.
 Use formal language
 Don’t use contractions (we’re, I’ve etc.) WHAT COUNTS AS A COMPLEX LANGUAGE IN THE EXAM?
 Sum up your argument in the final paragraph You MUST use complex language at B2 level. You must use attention-grabbing vocabulary and a
 The final paragraph is the best place to express your opinion clearly. variety of grammar structures. The passive voice, relative clauses, modal verbs, conditionals,
reported speech and inversions all count as COMPLEX grammar forms and you must use them.
FCE Essay: Useful phrases
GIVING EXAMPLES:
If you learn several expressions for each paragraph, you will certainly be able to create a such as
very consistent and well-organized text. like
for example
for instance
PRESENTING TWO ADVANTAGES OR DISADVANTAGES TOGETHER:
not only … but also
SHOWING PURPOSE:
to
PRESENTING TWO OPPOSING VIEWS: in order to
on the one hand, on the other hand so as to
so that
EXPRESSING CONTRAST:
nevertheless LISTING IDEAS:
even though firstly
however secondly
in spite of finally
despite in the first place
but lastly
although first of all
in contrast then
after that
EXPRESSING RESULTS: in the end
because of this last but not least,
therefore
as a result DESCRIBING A CAUSE:
for this reason because
consequently since
as
due to
EXPRESSING THE OPINION OF SOMEONE ELSE:
some people say (that)
ADDING INFORMATION:
many people say (that)
In addition
people often say
moreover
it is said
furthermore
it is said that
too
according to
CONCLUDING THE TOPIC:
EXPRESSING PERSONAL OPINIONS: In conclusion
In my opinion, To sum up
I believe (that) In short
I feel (that) All in all
It seems to me To make a long story short,
In my view
As I see it
I think
Personally,
FCE Essay: Example 1 FCE Essay: Example 2
In some countries, learning English is compulsory at school. Do you agree with this? Your English class has had a discussion about advertising. Your teacher has asked you to write
a composition about the following statement:

Advertising plays an important role in modern life.

Introduction

Whether we like it or not, English has invaded most schools across the globe. If these
courses should be compulsory or not is an important question to consider. Introduction

1st body paragraph  In recent times, T.V. has been reaching a huge worldwide audience while advertising has become
increasingly important in our daily lives. It is also present, however, in the cinema, magazines,
To begin with, learning a second language is vital for students because it opens their world newspapers and Internet. It now dominates our lives.
to new cultures. They not only learn a new language, but also learn about other cultures
apart from their own. In a world that is rapidly becoming more and more international, an 1st body paragraph 
extended worldview can help the students thrive in such a cosmopolitan environment.
Although this is a great opportunity for the media to make money, it can have a negative influence
2nd body paragraph  on the general public. Nowadays it seems there are no limits. Advertising campaigns sell products
using fear, sex, humour, violence and above all by creating competition between people and a
Because English is the accepted language used in business throughout the world, it is ‘need’ for a product.
necessary for students to prepare themselves and to be able to survive in the competitive
workplace. If students do not learn English they will lose opportunities for promotion, new 2nd body paragraph 
career paths, and the chance to be successful in a world that communicates only in English.
Buying a bigger car, a T.V. or more expensive perfume than your neighbour is causing excessive
3rd body paragraph  consumerism. We are victims of fashion. If you do not buy the latest smart phone or computer you
are out of touch with the modern times. A teenager wearing the wrong clothes or using an old
Lastly, learning English as a second language should be compulsory, because otherwise mobile is seen as a ‘freak’.
only the most motivated will learn it. Most students need the structured atmosphere of a
classroom in order to focus and apply themselves. Without this gentle push, the students Conclusion
can lose their drive and motivation.
In conclusion, there is no doubt about the importance of advertising in modern life. Nevertheless,
Conclusion it has created stress and envy. Many people do not realize they are being brainwashed and spend
money without thinking.
In conclusion, I think that English should be compulsory in schools. The students will not
only have a better chance to be successful in their professional careers, but they will also be
more enriched culturally. As well, because everyone is different, the courses should be
compulsory so as to nurture those who need structure and guidance.
FCE Essay: Example 3 In your English class, you have been talking about the subject of cultural heritage. Now your
English teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give
reasons for your point of view.

Is it a good thing that countries spend a lot of money on their heritage?

Write about:
1. preserving the past
2. investing in the future
3. ________ (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Most countries spend large sums of money protecting their national heritage. However, there is
strong argument that we should look forwards and not backwards, spending less money on
preserving the past and more on securing our future.

On the one hand, it is important that we remember our heritage. Once it is lost, it is lost forever.
Caring for important monuments helps with this. It also attracts tourists, which has an economic
benefit for everyone.

On the other hand, governments spend a lot of money on museums and keeping historic sites in
good condition when poor people need houses to live in and businesses need better roads for
transporting their goods.

Another argument is that by making heritage sites attractive for tourists -for example, by putting
on entertainment - we give a very untrue picture of the past and sometimes damage the local
environment.

To conclude, while there are strong arguments for not spending too much on preserving the past, I
believe it is important to protect the most famous sites for the future generations but it is not
realistic to try and save everything. We need to invest in the future too.
In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about science and young
people. Now your English teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using
all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.
Science is very important in the 21st century. How do you think it could be made more
appealing to young people?
Write about:
1. television programmes
2. interactive museums
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Although young people love gadgets and technology, some see science as uninteresting and
'uncool'. Over time, the number of young people, particularly girls, pursuing science and
technology studies and careers has dropped.
One way in which science could be made more attractive would be to have lively television
programmes presented by celebrities, with subjects which were relevant to the experience
of the young. We live in a celebrity culture and children identify with well-known young
people.
Another idea would be to set up interactive science museums in every town, where parents
could take their children. It is much better to teach children the principles of science
through hands-on experiments than to lecture them in a classroom.
Of course, there would be more incentives if the average scientit were better paid and
young people were made aware of the range of jobs available. A lot of people are put off a
scientific career because they think it means working in a badly paid job in a boring
laboratory.
Whichever way we choose, it is vital that more young people are attracted to science, since
society's prosperity depends largely on continuous scientific progress.
In your English class, you have recently had a discussion about relationships. Now your
teacher has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for
your point of view.
Is it better to live alone or with someone else?
Write about:
1. Independence
2. Money
3. ________ (your own idea)
Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.
Nowadays more people are deciding to live by themselves. Some people claim this is more
enjoyable and in young people it develops a sense of responsibility, whereas others disagree.
The main advantage of living alone is that there is nobody to tell you what to do, so you can live
your life in your own way. What is more, you can organise or decorate your house as you want.
There is no one else to disagree with. On the other hand, it can be quite lonely for some people. By
nature, we are social animals.
Secondly, it is more expensive because you have to pay all the rent and bills yourself, so you have
less money to enjoy yourself.
Last but not least, it can be quite hard to find a nice flat for one person, so you might not be able to
live in the best area.
To sum up, there are strong arguments on both sides. In conclusion, I believe that living alone is
better for older people who have more money and like privacy but not for young people who need
to share the costs.
In your English class you have been talking about happiness. Now your English teacher
has asked you to write an essay. Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for
your point of view.

Whether you are happy or not depends on the personality you are born with. Do you
agree?

Write about:
1. Money
2. Health
3. ________ (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140-190 words in an appropriate style.

Some people claim they are naturally cheerful. However, in my view, how we lead our lives
is the main reason we are either happy or unhappy.

Take money, for example. Money doesn't automatically make us happy. In fact, it makes
some people very unhappy because they are frightened of losing what they've got. On the
other hand, if we're not greedy and don't spend it foolishly, it can reduce stress and give us
security.

Then consider health. If we eat badly, get too little sleep and don't exercise, our health will
decline and make us miserable. Eating well and going for lovely long walks in the
countryside can make us feel better generally.

The third thing I think is important is to have a positive outlook on life. We should all enluy
things like music and being with our friends. At the same time, it's important to spend time
alone and live as simply as possible, which is not easy in the 21st century!

All these make a big difference to our happiness, no matter what our natural temperament.